ST GEORGE’S, Grenada -
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2008, the Media Workers
Association of Grenada (MWAG) reiterates the importance of unfettered
and vibrant media for the development of a democratic, free and open
society.
A functioning democracy
is unimaginable without a pluralistic media landscape, without a
genuinely free and independent press and without the possibility that
all citizens may exercise their rights to freedom of expression and
access to information.
In this context, we
recall once again the various commitments and promises undertaken by the
Grenada Government and under the Principles of the Declaration of
Chapultepec, and other similar treaties. We attach great importance to
these values.
MWAG reiterates from
its most recent statement that it shall not stand idly by and allow any
political party, interest group or individual to trample on the rights
of media workers.
MWAG is calling upon
practitioners to continue to play their role, not just in carrying the
news, but to be more aggressive investigators of issues in the nation.
The association remains
committed to training and helping members achieve the highest possible
standards.
The media remains the
most debated institution in the country and moreso in this period where
the nation is preparing for general elections. Therefore, the question
of fairness and balance will be argued among political parties.
Freedom of expression
is a fundamental human right, as outlined in article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "everyone has the right
to freedom of opinion and expression; that this right includes freedom
to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers".
"World Press Freedom
Day reminds both citizens and governments that they need to reaffirm
this right "as an essential foundation of the information society", the
statement said.
